JODY PLANS RETURN TRIP FOR CUPTIE’S GAME

JODY MORRIS was a firm fans’ favourite during his five years with St Johnstone and he is relishing the prospect of pulling on the boots again for Friday’s Dave Mackay Testimonial Match with Dundee at McDiarmid Park.

Guest appearances by legends including Chelsea youth coach Morris and Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam, wearing a Dark Blue jersey, are sure to boost the turn-out as supporters pay tribute to Saints’ popular 2014 Scottish Cup winning captain.

Mackay’s career began at Dundee and the Dens Park club could not have been more supportive of the testimonial committee, with management duo Neil McCann and Graham Gartland keen to play during the second half.

Morris is making the trip north from London to grace the McDiarmid stage once again.

He explained: “Cuptie got in touch asking if I’d like to play in his game if we didn’t have a match down here. I checked the planner and we had a rare weekend off. It’s worked out great and I’m looking forward to coming back to Perth.

“After Chelsea, St Johnstone are definitely next in terms of how I feel about a club. It will always be like that. They are the next result I look for and I’m always rooting for them.

“I spent the longest time there apart from Chelsea and my time with Saints was important to me. I had a great relationship with the supporters and I fell back in love with football in my time with the club.

“I will never forget my debut at Dundee. I scored and it was probably the only header of my whole career but I don’t even remember it. I had been pretty much knocked unconscious just before scoring. I have watched it back on the telly otherwise I’d know nothing about it. I have a vague memory of the celebrations but that’s about it.”

*Friday’s match, sponsored by Kilmac, Booker and Findlay Events, kicks-off at 7.30pm. Admission is £15 and £5 for seniors and U16s. Saints season tickets are not valid for this game. The pre-match and half-time entertainment will be provided by the Glenalmond Pipes and Drums.